Millions of people around the world were preparing to ring in the New Year on Tuesday, with celebrations briefly overshadowing conflicts in some parts of the world.
The nations of the South Pacific Ocean were the first to say goodbye to the year 2024. Midnight in New Zealand is 18 hours ahead of Eastern Time.
In Auckland, thousands of people were expected to pack the city center or climb the city’s ring of volcanic peaks to enjoy a viewing platform with fireworks and a light show in recognition of Auckland’s indigenous tribes.
In Australia, two hours later, more than a million people gathered in Sydney Harbor to watch the traditional fireworks. Some partygoers, eager to get a good vantage point, arrived nearly 20 hours early.
The celebrations began at 9 pm local time (5 am ET), with the first fireworks display created by the indigenous group We Are Warriors. Projections of the Barangaroo Aboriginal fisherwoman were projected onto the Harbor Bridge as fireworks exploded to celebrate land, sea and sky.
British pop star Robbie Williams is expected to lead a sing-along later that night.
And across Asia, millions of people were preparing for the Year of the Snake, considered the year of rebirth in the Asian zodiac.
In Japan, which has observed the zodiac cycle since January 1, shops were seen selling snake-themed products as temples and homes underwent extensive cleaning before much of the country closed to celebrate.
The mood was somber in South Korea after Sunday’s Jeju Air flight crash in Muan that killed 179 people. Most celebrations were curtailed or cancelled, as the country observed a period of national mourning.
Jakarta will also ring in the new year with a fireworks show, including an 800-drone pyrotechnic show and a countdown to midnight at the city’s iconic Hotel Indonesia roundabout.
